Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment is also known as endodontics. Root canal treatment is required when tooth decay has broken through the outer enamel and infected the heart of the tooth.

The goal of Dr. Flahaven is to try and save your natural teeth and avoid extractions. The reason for this is because removing natural teeth leaves gaps which then cause the other teeth to compensate. It can then affect your bite and cause a host of other affiliated problems.

But what happens when a tooth has become infected right in the center? Usually there is no avoiding an extraction, as the pulp is infected. Essentially, this means that the nerves at the heart of the tooth are slowing dying. Not to mention the fact that you will probably also be experiencing quite a bit of pain.

Under these circumstances, most patients want a quick fix – an extraction. While extraction may remove the offending tooth, it is not the best option in the long term. We prefer to try root canal surgery first. This way, the infection can be cleared and the tooth can be kept in place.